Manson

Things To Do

Manson Bay Park is a favorite spot for swimming on Lake Chelan, offering a safe and scenic place to cool off in the summer. Located in the town of Manson, this park features a protected swimming area with lifeguards during the summer months, making it perfect for families and casual swimmers. The waters here are typically calm, and the designated swim zone provides a safe space away from boat traffic. The park is also equipped with public restrooms, picnic areas, and a nearby boat launch, making it a convenient stop for those spending the day by the water. One of the standout features of Manson Bay Park is its proximity to downtown Manson. Visitors can easily walk to local restaurants, wineries, and shops after a swim, making it a great location for a full day of fun.

Nothing beats a day on Lake Chelan in the summer, cruising around the lake and enjoying various water sports like wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing. There are a couple of businesses in Manson which rent boats for the half day or day, as well as boat launches at Old Mill Park and Manson Bay Park (off-season only). The waters past Manson are usually less busy than down by Chelan, and Watson's Harverene resort across the lake has a gasoline pump for boats, so Manson is the perfect place to launch your boat!

The Cider Press in Manson is a must-visit spot for cider lovers and anyone looking to partake in pressing their own cider. Nestled in the heart of Lake Chelan’s apple country, this local favorite utilizes apples grown in the surrounding orchards that otherwise would have been thrown away - small blemishes prevent these apples from being sold in supermarkets, but make them perfect candidates for apple cider. This family activity, a favorite with kids, will have you select a variety of apples of your choosing, like Gala, Sugar Bee and Cosmic Crisp, and then be guided through the process of pressing them into apple cider, resulting in 10 gallons of apple cider to bring home!

The Lake Chelan area has a variety of hikes for all ages and abilities, with some fun hikes in Manson. The Fourth of July Mountain hike is 15 minutes outside of Manson at Antilon Lake and features striking views of Lake Chelan from the top. While it's a somewhat steep hike, it only clocks in a 3 miles round trip. Echo Ridge, situated between Manson and has over 35 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. And uplake from Manson are some remote trails like Uno Peak and Summer Blossom, requiring over an hour drive on bumpy forest service roads.

While Wine grapes have been grown in the Chelan Valley for over a hundred years, commercial production began in the late 1990's. Lake Chelan became Washington State's latest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2009 and now boasts over 40 wineries, with a number of wineries in downtown Manson, and estate vineyards with incredible views of Lake Chelan spread along the north shore near Manson. Some popular estate wineries include Lagrioth Vineyards and Amos Rome, while tasting rooms in downtown Manson like Radiance Winery and Vibe Cellars are fun destinations.

Willow Point Park, located in the quiet community of Manson, WA, is a hidden gem for swimming on Lake Chelan. This small yet scenic park offers a peaceful and less crowded swimming experience, making it perfect for those looking to relax by the water. The beach area features a mix of sand and pebbles, with a gentle slope into the lake, making it suitable for swimmers of all ages.The park provides picnic tables, shade trees, restrooms, and a grassy area, making it an excellent spot for a laid-back day at the lake. One of the highlights of swimming at Willow Point Park is the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful and serene setting. Since it’s a smaller park compared to busier locations like Lake Chelan State Park or Manson Bay Park, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a more relaxed and quiet swimming experience.

There is live music throughout the year in Lake Chelan, with many of the wineries hosting musicians, even during the winter. During the warmer months, Amos Rome often has live music on the weekends outside on their lawn, Tipsy Canyon and Tsillan Cellars frequently have live music as well, and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce website has an events page with an updated calendar of events, including live music. The 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino has a large amphitheater, capable of holding up to 1,500 people, and has musicians performing during the summer months.